Members of the Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa Engineers Branch work with laborers from the Djibouti First initiative on approximately ten local renovations projects throughout the Republic of Djibouti, July 7-8, 2017. The current set of mutually-beneficial projects initiated in 2013 and are scheduled to extend until approximately 2019. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Andria Allmond)

U.S. Navy Lt. Sarah Chavez, Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa construction project manager, conducts a quality assurance assessment with Abdi Said Ali, CJTF-HOA construction specialist and translator, at a school in Yoboki, Djibouti, July 7, 2017. CJTF-HOA has worked multiple regional renovation programs with laborers from the Africa First program, formerly Djibouti First - an initiative that contracts local labor to help enable sustainable economics. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Andria Allmond)

Lt. General Wilson Mbadi, the Deputy Chief of Uganda People’s Defense Force (far right), gives Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa commander U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen David Furness (far left) a tour of the Uganda Rapid Deployment Capability Center training location, based in Jinja, Uganda, July 7. The tour took place on the same day as an historic graduation of 60 UPDF engineers from Class 17.2, which marked the conclusion of the first class where UPDF instructors both ran and taught the entire course. Class 17.2’s training took place at the Uganda Rapid Deployment Capability Center. (Courtesy photo by Uganda Army Lt. Col. Nelson Aheebwa)

Lt. Gen. Wilson Mbadi, the Deputy Chief of Uganda People’s Defense Force (middle) greets Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa commander U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. David Furness (right) for an office call during a recent visit to an historic UPDF engineering course graduation at the Uganda Rapid Deployment Capability Center, based in Jinja, Uganda. The two military leaders, along with Uganda Rapid Deployment Capability Center commandant Maj. Gen. James Nnkibus Lakara (far left) discussed shared interests, including partnership opportunities for future courses. In the latest iteration of the engineering course, UPDF trainers were advised by U.S. Marine Corps partners from the Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Africa. (Courtesy photo by Uganda Army Lt. Col. Nelson Aheebwa)

Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa commander U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. David Furness gives remarks to a crowd including Uganda People’s Defense Force leadership, staff, as well as students who graduated July 7, 2017, from a two-month engineering course in Jinja, Uganda. The Class 17.2 graduation was historic because it marked the conclusion of the first class where UPDF instructors both ran and taught the entire course, advised by U.S. Marine Corps partners from the Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Africa. The course covered three subjects, including civil engineering, heavy equipment operations and utilities management. (Courtesy photo by Uganda Army Lt. Col. Nelson Aheebwa)

Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa commander U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. David Furness (left) helps to plant a mango tree during a tour of the Uganda Rapid Deployment Capability Center, based in Jinja, Uganda, July 7, 2017. This took place on the same day same day as an historic graduation of 60 UPDF engineers from Class 17.2, which was the first class where UPDF instructors both ran and taught the entire course. Class 17.2’s training took place at the Uganda Rapid Deployment Capability Center. (Courtesy photo by Uganda Army Lt. Col. Nelson Aheebwa)

Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa commander U.S. Marine Brig. Gen. David Furness (left) stands side-by-side with Uganda People’s Defense Force leadership July 7, 2017, to cut a ribbon marking the grand opening of a training complex at the Uganda Rapid Deployment Capability Center, based in Jinja, Uganda. This took place preceding an historic graduation of 60 UPDF engineers from Class 17.2, which was the first class where UPDF instructors both ran and taught the entire course. Class 17.2’s training took place at the Uganda Rapid Deployment Capability Center. (Courtesy photo by Uganda Army Lt. Col. Nelson Aheebwa)

Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa commander U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. David Furness (seated, second from left) takes part in a group photo in a training center in Jinja, Uganda, with Uganda People’s Defense Force leadership, staff and students, some of whom graduated July 7, 2017, from a two-month engineering course. The Class 17.2 graduation was historic because it marked the conclusion of the first class where UPDF instructors both ran and taught the entire course. (Courtesy photo by Uganda Army Lt. Col. Nelson Aheebwa)

A French Air Force member assigned to the Transport Squadron ET 88 and a U.S. Air Force pararescueman from the 82nd Expeditionary Rescue Squadron, assigned to Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa, are hoisted by a cable to a French Air Force Aérospatiale SA 330 Puma helicopter during a bilateral water operations exercise, in the Gulf of Tadjoura, July 3, 2017. This exercise marked the first bilateral rotary wing water operations exercise between the 82 ERQS and French forces. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Eboni Prince)

French Air Force rescue personnel assigned to the Transport Squadron ET 88 and U.S. Air Force pararescuemen from the 82nd Expeditionary Rescue Squadron, assigned to Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa, participate in a bilateral water operations exercise, in the Gulf of Tadjoura, July 3, 2017. This exercise marked the first bilateral rotary wing water operations exercise between the 82 ERQS and French forces. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Eboni Prince)

French Air Force rescue personnel assigned to the Transport Squadron ET 88 participate in a bilateral water operations exercise with pararescuemen from the 82nd Expeditionary Rescue Squadron, assigned to Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa, in the Gulf of Tadjoura, July 3, 2017. The results of the exercise will aid in the development of standard operating procedures between CJTF-HOA and the French Forces stationed in Djibouti for the U.S. and France’s mutual support of maritime rescue capabilities within the Horn of Africa region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Eboni Prince)

A French Air Force member assigned to the Transport Squadron ET 88 and a U.S. Air Force pararescueman from the 82nd Expeditionary Rescue Squadron, assigned to Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa, are hoisted by a cable to a French Air Force Aérospatiale SA 330 Puma helicopter during a bilateral water operations exercise, in the Gulf of Tadjoura, July 3, 2017. The results of the exercise will aid in the development of standard operating procedures between CJTF-HOA and the French Forces stationed in Djibouti for the U.S. and France’s mutual support of maritime rescue capabilities within the Horn of Africa region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Eboni Prince)

A French Air Force Aérospatiale SA 330 Puma helicopter hovers over the Gulf of Tadjoura during a bilateral water operations exercise pararescuemen from the 82nd Expeditionary Rescue Squadron, assigned to Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa, in the Gulf of Tadjoura, July 3, 2017. The results of the exercise will aid in the development of standard operating procedures between CJTF-HOA and the French Forces stationed in Djibouti for the U.S. and France’s mutual support of maritime rescue capabilities within the Horn of Africa region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Eboni Prince)

A French Air Force member assigned to the Transport Squadron ET 88 is hoisted from into a French Air Force Aérospatiale SA 330 Puma helicopter during a bilateral water operations exercise, in the Gulf of Tadjoura, July 3, 2017. The results of the exercise will aid in the development of standard operating procedures between CJTF-HOA and the French Forces stationed in Djibouti for the U.S. and France’s mutual support of maritime rescue capabilities within the Horn of Africa region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Eboni Prince)

A French Air Force Aérospatiale SA 330 Puma helicopter hovers over the Gulf of Tadjoura during a bilateral water operations exercise, July 3, 2017. The results of the exercise will aid in the development of standard operating procedures between Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa and the French Forces stationed in Djibouti for the U.S. and France’s mutual support of maritime rescue capabilities within the Horn of Africa region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Eboni Prince)

A French Air Force member assigned to the Transport Squadron ET 88 assists with hoisting another French Air Force member and a U.S. Air Force pararescueman from the 82nd Expeditionary Rescue Squadron, assigned to Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa, into a French Air Force Aérospatiale SA 330 Puma helicopter during a bilateral water operations exercise in the Gulf of Tadjoura, July 3, 2017. This exercise marked the first bilateral rotary wing water operations exercise between the 82 ERQS and French forces. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Eboni Prince)

U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Nicholas Baldus, a Naval Mobile Construction Battalion ONE Seabee deployed with Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa, prepares an oxygen-acetylene welding rig to create manhole covers out of steel at Camp Lemmonier, Djibouti, July 7, 2017. The covers are for an Arta-region medical clinic that CJTF-HOA is building in continued partnership with the Djiboutian people. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Andria Allmond)

U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Nicholas Baldus, a Naval Mobile Construction Battalion ONE Seabee deployed with Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa, prepares an oxygen-acetylene welding rig to create manhole covers out of steel at Camp Lemmonier, Djibouti, July 7, 2017. The covers are for an Arta-region medical clinic that CJTF-HOA is building in continued partnership with the Djiboutian people. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Andria Allmond)

U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Nicholas Baldus, a Naval Mobile Construction Battalion ONE Seabee deployed with Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa, prepares an oxygen-acetylene welding rig to create manhole covers out of steel at Camp Lemmonier, Djibouti, July 7, 2017. The covers are for an Arta-region medical clinic that CJTF-HOA is building in continued partnership with the Djiboutian people. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Andria Allmond)

U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class, Robert Edwards, a senior maintenance non-commissioned officer with the 1st Battalion, 153rd Infantry, Task Force Warrior, an associated unit of the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa, shares his knowledge of vehicle operations and preventative maintenance with members of the Djiboutian Armed Forces in Dikhil, Djibouti on June 28, 2017. These visits support CJTF-HOA’s efforts to build positive relationships within the region and assist U.S. Africa Command in its efforts to promote regional security, stability and prosperity. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Eboni Prince)

Members of 411th Civil Affairs Battalion, Bravo Company, Civil Affairs Team 3, an associated unit of the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa, pose for a photo with children from Sagallou, Djibouti during a key leader engagement on June 28, 2017. These visits support CJTF-HOA’s efforts to build positive relationships within the region and assist U.S. Africa Command in its efforts to promote regional security, stability and prosperity. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Eboni Prince)

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Frank Nordby, 411th Civil Affairs Battalion, Bravo Company, Civil Affairs Team 3, an associated unit of the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa, greets a village elder of Sagallou, Djibouti during a key leader engagement on June 28, 2017. These visits support CJTF-HOA’s efforts to build positive relationships within the region and assist U.S. Africa Command in its efforts to promote regional security, stability and prosperity. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Eboni Prince)

U.S. Army Capt. Adam McCaffrey, 411th Civil Affairs Battalion, Bravo Company, Civil Affairs Team 3, an associated unit of the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa, speaks with Yousef Idris, a regional veterinarian in Tadjourah during a key leader engagement on June 27, 2017. These visits support CJTF-HOA’s efforts to build positive relationships within the region and assist U.S. Africa Command in its efforts to promote regional security, stability and prosperity. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Eboni Prince)

Members of 411th Civil Affairs Battalion, Bravo Company, Civil Affairs Team 3, an associated unit of the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa, met with the préfet of Tadjourah during a key leader engagement on June 27, 2017. Key Leader Engagements support the many efforts of CJTF-HOA by forming connections with distinguished members of the local populace to gain cooperation and, ideally, support for U.S. operations in East Africa. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Eboni Prince)

Members of the 1st Battalion, 153rd Infantry Regiment deployed with the Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa conducted a class for combatives instruction at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, June 26 - 30, 2017. The weeklong course will train approximately 30 Soldiers to be instructors for first-level hand-to-hand combat. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Andria Allmond)

A Soldier of the 1st Battalion, 153rd Infantry Regiment deployed with the Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa, practices combatives maneuvers during the Basic Combatives Instructor Course at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, June 26 – 30. The 40-hour course teaches participants to train fellow Soldiers, and could be useful in assisting the instruction of partner nation defense forces. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Andria Allmond)

Soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 153rd Infantry Regiment deployed with the Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa, watch as instructors display hand-to-hand combat maneuvers while teaching the Basic Combatives Instructor Course at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, June 26 – 30. The approximately 30 Soldiers who participated in the training are augmenting the mission of CJTF-HOA by being prepared to protect U.S. military, diplomatic and civilian personnel, facilities and interests. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Andria Allmond)

U.S. service members from Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, participated in a military parade in Djibouti City celebrating the country's 40th annual Independence Day, June 27, 2017. Hosted by the president of Djibouti, Ismail Omar Guelleh, the parade is held annually to mark Djibouti's declaration of independence from France. In addition to the Djiboutian Armed Forces, service members from Italy, France, Japan, China and the U.S. also marched in the parade. The event offered an opportunity for the militaries of various nations with a presence in Djibouti to show support for shared goals in the region, including security and stability. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Joe Harwood)

U.S. service members from Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, participated in a military parade in Djibouti City celebrating the country's 40th annual Independence Day, June 27, 2017. Hosted by the president of Djibouti, Ismail Omar Guelleh, the parade is held annually to mark Djibouti's declaration of independence from France. In addition to the Djiboutian Armed Forces, service members from Italy, France, Japan, China and the U.S. also marched in the parade. The event offered an opportunity for the militaries of various nations with a presence in Djibouti to show support for shared goals in the region, including security and stability. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Joe Harwood)

U.S. service members from Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, participated in a military parade in Djibouti City celebrating the country's 40th annual Independence Day, June 27, 2017. Hosted by the president of Djibouti, Ismail Omar Guelleh, the parade is held annually to mark Djibouti's declaration of independence from France. In addition to the Djiboutian Armed Forces, service members from Italy, France, Japan, China and the U.S. also marched in the parade. The event offered an opportunity for the militaries of various nations with a presence in Djibouti to show support for shared goals in the region, including security and stability. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Joe Harwood)

U.S. service members from Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, participated in a military parade in Djibouti City celebrating the country's 40th annual Independence Day, June 27, 2017. Hosted by the president of Djibouti, Ismail Omar Guelleh, the parade is held annually to mark Djibouti's declaration of independence from France. In addition to the Djiboutian Armed Forces, service members from Italy, France, Japan, China and the U.S. also marched in the parade. The event offered an opportunity for the militaries of various nations with a presence in Djibouti to show support for shared goals in the region, including security and stability. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Joe Harwood)

U.S. service members from Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, participated in a military parade in Djibouti City celebrating the country's 40th annual Independence Day, June 27, 2017. Hosted by the president of Djibouti, Ismail Omar Guelleh, the parade is held annually to mark Djibouti's declaration of independence from France. In addition to the Djiboutian Armed Forces, service members from Italy, France, Japan, China and the U.S. also marched in the parade. The event offered an opportunity for the militaries of various nations with a presence in Djibouti to show support for shared goals in the region, including security and stability. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Joe Harwood)

Brig. Gen. Benjamin F. Adams III, Commander Kentucky National Guard Land Component Command, attends along with U.S. service members from Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, participating in a military parade in Djibouti City celebrating the country's 40th annual Independence Day, June 27, 2017. The Kentucky National Guard is partnered with Djibouti in the State Partnership Program. Hosted by the president of Djibouti, Ismail Omar Guelleh, the parade is held annually to mark Djibouti's declaration of independence from France. In addition to the Djiboutian Armed Forces, service members from Italy, France, Japan, China and the U.S. also marched in the parade. The event offered an opportunity for the militaries of various nations with a presence in Djibouti to show support for shared goals in the region, including security and stability. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Joe Harwood)

U.S. Army soldiers of the 39th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 153rd Infantry Regiment, Arkansas National Guard deployed to Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, participated in a military parade in Djibouti City celebrating the country's 40th annual Independence Day, June 27, 2017. Hosted by the president of Djibouti, Ismail Omar Guelleh, the parade is held annually to mark Djibouti's declaration of independence from France. In addition to the Djiboutian Armed Forces, service members from Italy, France, Japan, China and the U.S. also marched in the parade. The event offered an opportunity for the militaries of various nations with a presence in Djibouti to show support for shared goals in the region, including security and stability. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Joe Harwood)

U.S. service members from Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, participated in a military parade in Djibouti City celebrating the country's 40th annual Independence Day, June 27, 2017. Hosted by the president of Djibouti, Ismail Omar Guelleh, the parade is held annually to mark Djibouti's declaration of independence from France. In addition to the Djiboutian Armed Forces, service members from Italy, France, Japan, China and the U.S. also marched in the parade. The event offered an opportunity for the militaries of various nations with a presence in Djibouti to show support for shared goals in the region, including security and stability. (U.S. Army photo by Maj. Stephen D. Martin)

U.S. Army Soldiers of the East African Reaction Force, B Company “Bushmasters,” 1st Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, deployed with the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) in Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, conduct weapons training and night qualifications at a range along the southern coast of the Gulf of Tadjoura, June 18, 2017. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Joe Harwood)

U.S. Army Soldiers of the East African Reaction Force, B Company “Bushmasters,” 1st Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, deployed with the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) in Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, conduct weapons training and night qualifications at a range along the southern coast of the Gulf of Tadjoura, June 18, 2017. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Joe Harwood)

U.S. Army Soldiers of the East African Reaction Force, B Company “Bushmasters,” 1st Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, deployed with the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) in Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, conduct weapons training and night qualifications at a range along the southern coast of the Gulf of Tadjoura, June 18, 2017. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Joe Harwood)

U.S. Army Soldiers of the East African Reaction Force, B Company “Bushmasters,” 1st Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, deployed with the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) in Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, conduct weapons training and night qualifications at a range along the southern coast of the Gulf of Tadjoura, June 18, 2017. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Joe Harwood)

The sun sets as U.S. Army Soldiers of the East African Reaction Force, B Company “Bushmasters,” 1st Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, deployed with the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) in Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, conduct weapons training and night qualifications at a range along the southern coast of the Gulf of Tadjoura, June 18, 2017. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Joe Harwood)